Maligned back doesn’t doubt his skills

Credit: John Wilcox

Credit: John Wilcox

BACK TO BASICS: Laurence Maroney hauls in a pass yesterday as the Patriots prepare for tomorrow night’s preseason game against the Rams.

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FOXBORO - When asked yesterday about the kind of camp Laurence Maroney has had thus far, Patriots coach Bill Belichick lauded the running back for his perfect attendance, coming in and working hard, and being in good condition.

Not the type of praise you’re looking for if you’re expected to be the dominant back among the committee the Patriots have assembled, and have already chalked up four years worth of unfulfilled promise. It had that ring to it where you rip off a few items that are somewhat complimentary to be kind, but ultimately project nothing special.

He shows up. He works hard. He’s in shape.

It’s possible Belichick was just being Belichick. He’s not always the most forthcoming when it comes to effusive praise. But we’ll get a better idea of where Maroney stands tomorrow night when the Pats host the St. Louis Rams.

In the first two preseason games, Maroney has made but a cameo appearance. He basically came on with the second-teamers during goal-line situations in the preseason opener and produced in close quarters, carrying the ball eight times for 30 yards and two touchdowns. Maroney dressed, but did not play in the second game against the Falcons.

Should Maroney not get a turn as the lead back - as Fred Taylor did last week in Atlanta and BenJarvus Green-Ellis did against the Saints - then we’ll have cause to delve more deeply into Belichick’s “praise” and ponder how much longer the former first-round pick will be around.

There’s no question that Maroney, who is entering his fifth season, has been infuriating to watch at times with his uncertainty and indecisiveness behind the line of scrimmage. Add in last year’s fumbling problem and the running back has left himself little wiggle room to regain trust, not to mention carries, as Taylor appears to be the choice as the lead back.

Maroney has done nothing more than tease with his talent and is well aware of the target on his back. He knows what many fans think of him as a player, but still believes he has what it takes to be the man to carry the rock 20-25 times a game. He even joked yesterday, telling scribes they should solicit Belichick to let him have a turn with the ball (tomorrow).

“If you put that in the paper a couple of times, I’m pretty sure, you know, he can’t let the fans down,” Maroney said, laughing along with the media huddled around him at his suggestion.

The fact that the running back was in his usual comedic form and good spirits may suggest everything is fine on Planet Maroney. He claimed he didn’t know if he was starting tomorrow, but he did get a lot of starter reps in practice. He also hasn’t been discouraged by the time with the second unit he’s gotten in the preseason.

“I don’t really trip off of it. It is what it is,” Maroney said. “I was always told you don’t cry over spilled milk. So if that’s what I’m going to be, that’s what I’m going to be, and I’m going to shine right there. When they want to put me back with the (starters), just keep doing it.”

In better shape this year, Maroney does feel like he has something to prove to his critics even though his numbers have actually been, if not overwhelming, fairly consistent.

But what does he believe? How does he view himself? What has he seen the past four years that’s different from the masses?

“I know I’m the stuff. That ain’t the right word to use, but that’s the word I’m going to use for now,” he said. “I know how good I am. And I know the type of player I am and how much help I can bring to the team. It’s just going out there and getting the coaches to believe the same thing and proving to them on an every day basis.”

Given his age, salary and potential for a possible breakout, it makes sense for the Pats to keep him another year. Even with a less than enthusiastic Belichick, it’s hard to believe they’ve already given up.